PbMoO4 is a potential solid lubricant for use at elevated temperatures
in oxidizing environments. Pulsed laser deposition (PLD) was utilized
to grow thin films of this material because it allows good control ov
er film chemistry and crystallinity. Films were grown at different sub
strate temperatures in vacuum and in partial pressures of oxygen. The
chemistry and crystallinity of the films were evaluated using X-ray ph
otoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and glancing angle X-ray
diffraction. Friction coefficients and wear lives were measured using
a ball-on-flat tribometer at room temperature and 700 degrees C. Film
s deposited in vacuum, at room temperature and at 300 degrees C, were
oxygen deficient. To adjust chemistry and crystallinity, films were gr
own in a partial pressure of oxygen (i.e. 6.7 x 10(-1) Pa). Stoichiome
tric, crystalline films of PbMoO4 were produced when films were grown
at 300 degrees C in this environment. PbMoO4 films were lubricious (mu
= 0.35) and long lived at 700 degrees C, but at room temperature had
high friction and failed quickly. The properties of the films grown at
the different conditions are discussed.